A MULTI-MILLION-POUND exotic island scheme is to transform Chester Zoo into a ‘world leader’ and bring thousands of visitors flocking to the city.

Cheshire West and Chester councillors gave the green light to a £30m development at the attraction on Thursday, which is hoped to create almost 100 new jobs and attract 150,000 new visitors to the city.

The exotic island scheme, which will see an unoccupied part of the zoo transformed into the islands of the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Bali, Sumatra, Sumba and Sulawesi, was heralded by councillors as a ‘much-needed investment’ and a massive ‘step forward’ in the regeneration of the city.

Speaking during the meeting Simon Mann, development director at Chester Zoo, revealed the scheme would create 76 jobs at the attraction as well as an additional 35 jobs during the construction period.

The island scheme is also thought to safeguard some 500 jobs for executives already working for the zoo.

“We believe that the islands will attract 15,000 extra visitors from all over the UK, with the scheme acting as a catalyst for making Chester a must-see location for tourists and visitors,” said Mr Mann.

The attraction will see visitors walk over bridges or sail across swamps and lakes to explore the islands, encountering a range of endangered and exotic creatures including Sumatran tigers, orangutans, Indonesian rhinoceroses and colourful birds.

A new Indonesian jungle house, which will be the largest indoor zoo exhibit in the UK, will provide a new home to the orangutans as well as shops and restaurants.

In a statement following the meeting Dr Mark Pilgrim, director general of Chester Zoo, heralded the development, which is part of the first phase of the £225m Natural Vision scheme, as the ‘dawning of a new age’ for the zoo and an ‘unparalleled experience’ for visitors.

“For many visitors, taking a trip to these islands is just a dream,” said Dr Pilgrim.

“But we will make these dreams a reality, transporting our visitors thousands of miles away to experience the splendour of the animals, plants and cultural aspects of these far-flung places.

“It will be the first time a UK zoo has attempted anything on this scale and will confirm Chester Zoo’s position as a world leader.”

Work is expected to start on the Island scheme early next year and is due to be completed by Easter 2015.